The Zoo veterinarian Dr. Jagath Jayasekara confirmed the 900 kilogram marsh crocodile or geta kimbula had a head injury several days old as well as an anchor shaped hook in its body which has severely damaged its respiratory tract and gastro intestinal tract. It had been injured on the head by a sharp object and the wound was 4 inches wide and 2 inches deep and penetrated its skull.
“We were informed of this and prepared for emergency treatment, but the crocodile was already dead before treatment could be given. We discovered this when we opened its mouth,” he said.
“We opened the carcass and found feeding material like cattle hooves, bones, polythene and what we suspect is a human leg and a hand bone. We are yet to receive a confirmation on this,” he said.
According to Jayasekara, it is one of the biggest crocodiles found in recent times in the country and the carcass has been preserved for the zoo museum.
There are two species of crocodiles in Sri Lanka, the mugger or marsh crocodile and the salt water crocodile. While not all crocodiles are ferocious, and some even allow people to bathe or fish in their waters, they are carnivorous and are often perceived as a threat by people living in the vicinity. Crocodiles however are an endangered species and protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. Killing or harming a crocodile is a non-bailable offence and anyone found doing so can be arrested without a warrant.
Nevertheless, according to Jayasekara, it is not the first time that something of this nature has happened. He said 2 months ago, a 10 foot long crocodile was brought in for treatment, but succumbed to injuries before treatment. This crocodile too had been injured badly with a sharp object.
Crocodiles are the top predators in their ecosystem. They feed on fish and prevent larger and invasive species from dominating the eco system. They also feed on weak and sick fish and help keep fish populations and the water clean and uncontaminated. Usually, the presence of crocodiles indicates a clean aquatic environment.
In the past, crocodiles have however been hunted for their hide for the manufacture of handbags, shoes and belts, as well as for crocodile meat. Crocodile meat is dried and sold as medicinal items or even as shark fish. The dried meat allegedly cures asthma. They have also been killed because they are a hinderance to bathing and fishing. Apart from being hunted, crocodiles are threatened by the destruction or alteration of their natural habitats.
Source:http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2012/02/12/giant-killer-croc-meets-death/
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